Tupac Murder Trial – Day 5 (Live Updates)
Today is day five of the trial of Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis, accused of orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996.
On Thursday, Jurors heard audio of Duane “Keffe D” Davis telling LAPD detectives in 2008 that his nephew Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson fired the shots that killed Tupac Shakur. In the audio, Davis could be heard telling LAPD he had conversations with Sean “Puffy” Combs about killing Shakur.
One person called to testify on Thursday, Devonta Lee, told the jury many times that he did not want to be there but was forced under a court order. He was a friend of Anderson who joined the South Side Crips.
LIVE UPDATES
Diaz he tried to corroborate w/ books also.
Sanft points out Diaz had artistic license. Interview subject signs release form.
Davis hands Sanft paper.
Sanft: did you ever see the actual contract?
Diaz: No
Sanft: any residuals given to Davis?
Diaz: not that I know, unlikely
Sanft: Was the interview done in a way where he promised to tell the truth?
Diaz. No… Assumed he was telling the truth.
Sanft points out it wasn’t under oath. Davis provided details in interview. Says he corroborated with Mike Dorsey & Greg Kading..also Mob James & others.
Diaz says Davis was not dressed appropriately the first time, and he was concerned he would not show up the second time (might back out) so he interviewed him anyway.
Davis came back dressed up and they did second interview.
Sanft continues questions…Davis smirks.
Sanft: What contract was set up between Duane Davis and the company?
Diaz says he doesn’t know. Diaz says he handed him a check at some point and doesn’t remember the installments. Diaz reiterates he’s not sure what was agreed upon.
Cross examination from defense attorney Michael Sanft: Discussing ‘Murder Rap,’ Greg Kading’s book.
Diaz says he is in the business of creating compelling television or films. Diaz says he doesn’t necessarily do reality TV shows, somewhat manufactured. Says he makes documentaries, which are traditionally based in journalism, and that truth is compelling enough to draw an audience.
Says Davis brought his attorney, Wayne Higgins, during his interviews. Davis was seen on video saying 9/7/96 is the night that changed his life.
Prosecutor: Was your show scripted at all?
Diaz: I pride myself that my work meets…standards…never provided questions ahead of time.
Important note: Diaz says he abided by strict standards… However, he also testified that Davis was paid for these interviews.
Says BET only provided what aired.
Playing part of Death Row Chronicles.
Davis discussing Anderson at Suge Knight’s probation hearing.
Another clip shows Davis showing them where shooting occurred.
Kading says in 2008 proffer: “what is said here cannot be used against you”
Ran on BET. Six episodes. Roughly an hour each.
Says he also had access to 2008 proffer recording. Alternated between his interview with Davis and 2008 proffer audio.
Prosecutor wants to play part of this.
Sanft asks to approach. Lawyers at bench.
Questions continue.
He identifies Davis.
Says Davis was compensated from $10 to 20K.
Did two interviews with Davis in summer 2017. Weeks apart. Around 2 hours + each.
Show sizzle reel.
Davis says he’s telling story because he has cancer and has nothing else to lose. Ends with “Death Row Chronicles.”
WITNESS Mario Diaz: filmmaker. Director of documentaries. Showrunner for documentaries & documentary series. Agent called him about job for 6-part series about Death Row Records. Two consultants: Greg Kading & documentarian. Says “defendant was on board,” along with Suge Knight.
Juror question: Can you recall the name of the detective…?
Jefferson: Kevin Manning.
This is not the first question from this juror.
Cross-examination defense attorney Michael Sanft:
Jefferson says he took the pic at Harmon & Las Vegas Blvd.
Wheels on the BMW caught his attention.
Says he did NOT hear people screaming Tupac’s name.
He was then following Suge & Tupac to go to club with them.
Officer from scene then finds him again and says, “we f’ed up…” Meaning they shouldn’t have released him because they still wanted to talk to him.
He gave police film, they return it, & he develops the photo.
Says pic spurred conspiracy theories about him “staging the scene.”
Heard gunshots shortly after.
Talks about the chaos after the shooting.
Sees Suge get out of the car: “My man Pac is shot! We need help! Pac is shot!”
Jefferson explains that an officer then treated him like a suspect. Pic of him sitting on sidewalk at scene. Then released.
Drive toward Las Vegas strip. Saw Tupac and Suge Knight.
“Hey waddup, Pac?!”
Took pic of Shakur.
TUPAC MURDER TRIAL DAY FIVE:
Witness: Leonard Jefferson, visiting Las Vegas for Mike Tyson fight on 9/7/96. In lobby of MGM to “people watch.” Sold fight tix. Saw Tupac Shakur & entourage before fight. Staying at Monte Carlo. Walked out to valet to get truck. Drove out.
S: 8 NEWS VEGAS
